The Staggers

The New Statesman’s rolling politics blog

Watch: Paxman drops the C-bomb

Newsnight presenter becomes the latest BBC figure to utter the “C-word” live on air.

By George Eaton Published 01 February 2011 9:39

Jeremy Paxman has become the latest BBC presenter to attempt to smash the taboo around the use of the "C-word".

Introducing a Newsnight feature on UK Uncut, Paxman said: "Supposing, though, some of the people who ought to be paying taxes so the cunts, cuts aren't so bad aren't actually doing so."

Paxman's foul language follows that of the Today programme presenter James Naughtie, who misspoke while introducing Jeremy Hunt, an error repeated (purposely) less than an hour later by Andrew Marr.

But with the Newsnight presenter recently railing against cuts to the BBC World Service, perhaps it's no surprise that such intemperate language came to mind.

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13 comments

Wed, 2011-02-02 12:56 — ang (not verified)

Thanks Lou. I try.

Tue, 2011-02-01 10:48 — RL (not verified)

It's not "foul language" if it's a genuine mistake!

It's only "foul language" if he calls Osborne, Cameron, and the rest them a "buch of cunts".

Foul... but true.

Tue, 2011-02-01 10:53 — Stuart John Thomas (not verified)

But he moved along quickly like a true pro.Would he care anyway?

Tue, 2011-02-01 11:04 — jie4v7i14

So what, you canoes.

Tue, 2011-02-01 11:06 — Mel Davis (not verified)

I was watching last night when he said it lol. I raised a quick eyebrow, but he was very professional and recovered well it was a genuine mistake, gawd bless 'im :D

Tue, 2011-02-01 11:54 — mitchy

Whatever. Why is this even news?

Tue, 2011-02-01 12:04 — Reginald-Fah-fah

Jeremy Hunt is a first rate chap and has done so much for Great Britain in such a short Period of time.

Jeremy Hunt Keep up the good work. The BT project is bloody marvellous and will keep people in work for the next 10 years.

'Andrude Marr' slip up was the most damaging to children dressed in their sunday best and hearing that word, wasn't pleasant!!!

I like Paxman, not sure whether I would like to answer his hard questions.

It's was late night TV, so not a big deal! Paxman say some more rude words especially to the Lib Dems and the disgusting misleading Labour members. Put a few Fs in for me Paxman!!!

Tue, 2011-08-16 04:34 — Michael_Gardiner (not verified)

It was a SLIP. What the hell is wrong with you people, that you think this is political news?

Tue, 2011-02-01 17:03 — AncientBriton

I missed the slip but wondered why he looked sheepish. A non-story.

Tue, 2011-02-01 17:39 — ang (not verified)

This is happening more and more.
Could it be that once they start talking about what the Tories are doing to the people, that this is the first word that comes to mind.

Tue, 2011-02-01 17:43 — Lou (not verified)

Ang,

Great comment,you've hit the nail on the head.

Tue, 2011-02-01 19:14 — Hugh Markey (not verified)

No doubt a Freudian slip of the tongue. Much better than the flummery this government expects from those on the public payroll. There are enough of 'kings men' about.
Bankers, local government spokespersons, certain media types, courtiers, the officer corps, and other be-wigged individuals from the private enterprise sector can be relied upon to spread the flattery on with a trowel.
Good to hear of BBC personal calling 'a spade a spade.' even if it is subliminal. Brain-washed? Not yet"

Thankee, governor

Wed, 2011-02-02 06:07 — jie4v7i14

Sometimes it is good to have a stutter. Ronnie Barker in "Open All Hours" was a ccccccc-classic, with his furfurfurfurfur-funny lines.